The House of the Dragon series, a prequel to Game of Thrones, is based on the books by George R.R. Martin, which chronicle the tumultuous history of House Targaryen and their struggle for the throne. Aegon II Targaryen is an iconic and controversial figure in Westerosi history, a character whose actions and fate significantly influenced the course of events during the tumultuous Dance of the Dragons.
Born into a time of dynastic rivalry and political tension, Aegon was raised to be a king, but his reign was marked by internal strife, betrayal, and a devastating civil war. This book explores the life of Aegon II in the books, from his rise to the throne to his tragic death.
By examining her journey through George R.R. Martin’s books, particularly Fire & Blood, we can better understand the complexity of her character and the consequences of her actions, as well as draw parallels to other iconic members of the Targaryen dynasty, such as Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones.
Who is Aegon Targeryen of the House of the Dragon?
Aegon II Targaryen, also known as Aegon, is a central figure in the history of Westeros, particularly during the period known as the Dance of the Dragons. The eldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen and his second wife, Alicent Hightower, Aegon was born into a time of great political tension and dynastic rivalry. From a young age, Aegon was groomed to be a king, but his path to the throne was marked by intense conflict and personal tragedy.
Aegon is described as a handsome young man with the distinctive silver hair and purple eyes of House Targaryen. He is a skilled and brave warrior, but also has a short temper and a propensity for reckless behavior. His upbringing was heavily influenced by his mother, Alicent, and his grandmother, the Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower, who played a major role in shaping his ambitions and worldview.
The dispute over the throne between Aegon and his older half-sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen, is at the heart of Dance with Dragons. This brutal and bloody conflict was sparked by the death of Viserys I, when both sides staked claims to the Iron Throne. Aegon, supported by his mother and a powerful faction at court known as the Greens, was crowned Aegon II, while Rhaenyra, supported by another group known as the Blacks, proclaimed herself queen.
Aegon II is married to Helaena Targaryen, his sister, following the Targaryen tradition of keeping bloodlines pure through consanguineous marriages. Together they have three sons: Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor. Helaena plays a relatively modest role in the politics of the kingdom, but her presence is a constant source of comfort to Aegon during the turbulent times of his reign.
What happens to Aegon Targaryen in the books
In George R.R. Martin’s books, particularly Fire & Blood, Aegon II’s trajectory is marked by relentless challenges and moments of extreme physical and emotional pain. During the Dance of the Dragons, Aegon suffers grievous wounds in a decisive battle at Rook’s Rest, where he is burned by the dragon Vhagar’s fire.
His wounds are so severe that many believe he is dead, but Aegon survives, albeit in critical condition. He is badly burned, with parts of his armor fused to his skin, and he suffers multiple fractures.
Although he survived, Aegon spent a long time confined to bed, sedated with milk of the poppy to ease the pain. His recovery was slow and painful, and he never fully regained his former strength.
In any case, Aegon returns to the battlefield astride his dragon, Sunfyre, and engages in a dogfight that results in more serious injuries, including two broken legs. These events leave Aegon permanently weakened, but he continues to rule with fierce determination.
The growing tension between Aegon and his allies, caused in part by his short temper and rash decisions, culminates in his death by poisoning. He is murdered by members of his own court, who see him as a threat to the stability of the realm. Aegon II is succeeded by his grandson, Aegon III, son of Rhaenyra Targaryen, thus ending a dark chapter in Targaryen history.
Aegon II’s relationship with Daenerys Targaryen, the central figure in the Game of Thrones series, is indirect but significant. Both are descended from the same royal Targaryen line and share a tumultuous past marked by war and conquest. Aegon II is a distant ancestor of Daenerys, and his struggle for the Iron Throne serves as a prelude to Daenerys’s battles centuries later.
Daenerys, like Aegon II, faces enormous challenges and betrayals in her quest for power. Her journey to reclaim the lost Targaryen throne echoes Aegon’s struggle against Rhaenyra, albeit in a different context and time. Both characters are shaped by their House’s legacy and their belief that they are destined to rule Westeros, which leads them to make difficult and often brutal decisions.
The story of Aegon II Targaryen is a tragedy of ambition, power, and betrayal. His reign is a reminder of the devastating consequences of civil war and family power struggles. Through his life and death, Aegon II leaves a complex legacy that continues to shape events in Westeros long after his death, resonating in the stories of other members of House Targaryen, such as Daenerys.
The post House of the Dragon: Who is Aegon Targaryen in the books? first appeared on Olhar Digital.
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